Parkinson's UK and England Boxing join forces to deliver new coaching programme

Set to launch in the coming months, the new coaching partnership between Parkinson's UK and England Boxing was announced at Par-Con in October.

England Boxing have been awarded £17,000 in funding from Parkinson's UK and St Paul's Boxing Club in Hull to start the new coaching programme.

The programme will give boxing providers and gyms a better understanding of Parkinson's as a condition and how non-contact boxing can help participants to improve their fitness and wellbeing. It will also help instructors accommodate people with Parkinson's in coaching sessions.

Non-contact boxing growing in popularity

Non-contact boxing continues to grow in popularity with the Parkinson's community across the UK. It can have many benefits for people living with Parkinson's including:

• improved balance
• better coordination
• improved muscle strength
• increased energy levels
• improved mood and wellbeing
• better cardiovascular health and bone health.

Making non-contact boxing more Parkinson's friendly

Richard Powers, England Boxing Club and Community Manager, said:

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Parkinson's UK to launch this boxing-specific Parkinson's course. This initiative will provide our coaches with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson's. 

"A huge thank you must go to Parkinson's UK and Richard Longthorp, as this grant will enable us to develop a programme that combines the physical benefits of boxing with tailored support for the community."

Anna Castiaux, Physical Activity Programme Lead at Parkinson's UK, said:

"We have been working with England Boxing on a number of Parkinson's specific non-contact boxing classes to date and we are delighted that more coaches, instructors and boxing trainers will be able to access this coaching opportunity in the future. 

"Being active on a regular basis when you live with Parkinson's can be a great way to live well with the condition and can help you to manage some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's. We hope that this funding will give more boxing clubs and activity providers an opportunity to deliver Parkinson's friendly boxing classes in the future."